Jimmy Kimmel’s ratings hit 6.3 million despite ongoing boycott from local stations
Jimmy Kimmel’s return draws record TV ratings amid boycotts
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! experienced a significant surge in viewership, drawing 6.3 million viewers upon its return to ABC after a brief suspension.
- This viewership figure marks a substantial increase from the show's average of 1.77 million viewers during the second quarter of the year, despite an estimated 23 per cent of US households being unable to tune in due to a boycott.
- The show was suspended by ABC following Kimmel's “ill-timed” comments regarding the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, which sparked outrage and led to calls for the network's license to be reviewed.
- Kimmel's return monologue, where he became emotional while explaining his intentions and calling for compassion, went viral online, accumulating millions of views across platforms.
- The suspension had prompted widespread debate, with many celebrities and public figures, including Donald Trump, weighing in on the issue of free speech and the show's reinstatement.